Bayern: Ribery must win Ballon d'Or

Ribery, 30, made his return from injury in the Bundesliga in style on Saturday, scoring twice and assisting a further two in Bayern’s 7-0 thrashing of Werder Bremen. The victory was the Bavarian’s 26th consecutive away game in the league without defeat.

While Bremen coach Robin Dutt was left confused after the match, telling reporters that his side had played against Barcelona, Bayern officials heaped praise on the France international.

“He is a synonym for everything we embody right now,” Hoeness told Die Welt.

FIFA is set to release the three-man shortlist for the 2013 Ballon d’Or on Monday, with Ribery, who has already been named UEFA’s Best Player in Europe, widely expected to feature.

“Franck is an unbelievable player. There is no other player in the world who deserves it [the Ballon d’Or] more,” Hoeness said.